SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : InfoSpace (INSP): Where GNET went! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: PatrickMark who wrote (11587)8/26/1999 4:21:00 PM
From: levy  Respond to of 28311
 
Patrick I realize it would be a radical departure....I was just looking at those numbers Alta Vista was putting together with their free isp (250,000 sign ups in two weeks) and saying that it should be something to consider to grow fast.....and yes pa would have to back it



To: PatrickMark who wrote (11587)8/26/1999 4:40:00 PM
From: GraceZ  Respond to of 28311
 
I'd like to add my two cents to the above. I paid $200 dollars to join SI when I could have it for free....why? Because my time is valuable and I don't want to be bogged down with ads. Also, I want to be protected from those people who would attempt to sell my name to other marketers. I had to deep-six more than one user name from AOL because it got out in the open and I was spammed to death. (no Usenet for me) People will pay for service if they feel that they are getting a service that is going to protect them.

The free ISPs perhaps would be useful for those people with a cable connection that travel. But then that function may be taken over by Kiosks placed in airports and hotels.

Just recently a client of mine was asking me about getting a second computer for his home (has one at his office) and I suggested that he go for a ISP/computer bundle so he could reduce the price (this was a big issue). In the meantime he could then get a decent ISP instead of AOL. He responded that he wouldn't leave AOL because that is where his email address is.....This is the level of customer that will stay with them forever, because they use technology, but they aren't real comfortable with it. This is a guy who got his first computer almost ten years ago (the same day I did) but understands very little about how it works and the possibilities it presents. The Internet world will be divided pretty much down the line between users like him and users like me. There are fewer like me....but who are these companies apt to reap a larger reward from? Obviously GNET has gone after the top end user not the lowest common denominator.



To: PatrickMark who wrote (11587)8/26/1999 4:46:00 PM
From: KLP  Respond to of 28311
 
Re: "you can't be all things to all people..."

Interesting comments regarding this....We can make an analogy or two here...i.e. magazines =content
1)GNET wants/needs lots of stickiness/people returning to the home page as a base....so that might relate to Life Magazine...usually something there for everyone...

2) GNET has said they are a vertical content business in at least 4 major areas. Those 4 areas each might include several types of specific content, and could range in cost from medium-high end to very high-end magazines/content...i.e. Town & Country, Robb Reports, etc.

My guess is that most folks, no matter the income level, want first class for an inexpensive a cost as they can find...and inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean cheap....just good value AND good service.
KLP